Popular local roots and blues bands heat up New Year’s Eve in Omaha and Lincoln. If the Hive is back on track with their liquor license, they have Hector Anchondo Band and Funk Trek scheduled for 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve. Watch the venue’s Facebook page at facebook.com/theHiveLounge for updates.
Two crowd-pleasing bands have set up their own individual New Year’s Eve parties for fans. Brad Cordle has put together a Mighty Jailbreakers reunion show for New Year’s Eve. OEAA Best Blues nominee Brad Cordle and his previous band The Mighty Jailbreakers were an acclaimed, highly popular local band that packed local venues at the peak of their career. The Jailbreakers reunion show is at Comfort Inn & Suites Ballroom, 7007 Grover Street. There are room packages available with early check in and late check out available. The package includes an appetizer buffet, champagne and party favors and a New Year’s Day brunch. Call 402-934-4900 for pricing and to make reservations.
Blue House with the Rent to Own Horns band has a party at Bel Air Banquet Room, 121st & Center, call 402-333-5505 for details.
In Lincoln, The Zoo Bar has an early show with Tijuana Gigolos playing three sets, 5-8 p.m. Then Josh Hoyer & The Shadowboxers featuring The Foxy Boxers takes the Zoo Bar stage for the 9 p.m. show. Advance tickets are recommended and available at the bar while they last.
Meanwhile Kris Lager Band hosts a New Year’s Eve Masquerade ball at Lincoln’s Bourbon Theatre. Also performing are Henry & The Invisibles and FREAKABOUT! Doors open at 8 p.m. and music starts at 9 p.m. Kris Lager Band will perform a Parliament-Funkadelic tribute. Kris Lager Band will be releasing a new CD Live at the Bourbon Theatre that night too. See krislaglerband.com or bourbontheatre.com.
Hot Notes
Lincoln’s Zoo Bar has a big night of music Monday, Jan. 30. Popular blues-rocker Samantha Fish tears it up 6-9 p.m. The Zoo Bar House Band holds a special holiday jam after 9 p.m. Come early for Emily Bass’ piano hour 5-7 p.m.
The Electroliners host their EP release party at Waiting Room Saturday, Jan. 4, 9 p.m. Also performing are The Love Technicians, Mariachi Zapatax Band and Pancho & The Contraband.
As the year comes to a close, thank you to all the great musicians for all the great music I have heard this year. Remember to appreciate the musicians, bands and venues who make music a joyous part of our lives. Happy New Year.